Advocates criticise decision not to ask Queensland police boss to face domestic violence inquiry

The commissioner of Queensland police, Katarina Carroll, has been a notable omission from witnesses appearing at a commission of inquiry into the force’s response to domestic violence. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

The decision not to ask the head of Queensland police to give evidence at the state’s commission of inquiry into the force’s response to domestic violence has been labelled “inexplicable” and a “missed opportunity” by experts and advocates in the field.

The $3.4m commission of inquiry will hold its fifth and final week of public hearings next week, having heard harrowing evidence from dozens of witnesses including police officers, lawyers and support services.